Maple Syrup Doesn't Last Nearly as Long as You Think—Here's How to Tell It's Gone Bad

Maple syrup is good for so much more than just drizzling on pancakes or waffles—we keep a jar handy to throw into salad dressings or baked beans, give a boost to our morning coffee, glaze chicken, and layer even more flavor into classic apple pie. But if you don’t reach for maple syrup quite as often, you might find yourself wondering if that jar in the back of your fridge is still good.

To find out how long opened maple syrup actually lasts in the fridge, we tapped two experts: Dani Dominguez, M.S., R.D.N., registered dietitian and founder of SunBright Wellness, and Crystal Higgins, R.D., registered dietitian and founder of The Flexitarian Dietitian. Here, they share some tips to keep in mind next time you stock up on maple syrup for pies, snacking cakes, and more.

How to Store Maple Syrup

Unopened maple syrup is shelf-stable, so you can leave it in the original container and place in a cool, dark place such as your pantry or inside a kitchen cabinet. “Ideally, this should have a consistent temperature as storing it near any fluctuating heat sources can degrade the quality of the syrup over time,” Dominguez says.

Once opened, maple syrup should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent mold growth and flavor degradation. “Although refrigeration for syrup may not appear necessary due to the high sugar content, it really helps to preserve the quality and safety of the product,” Higgins says. “I can speak from personal experience when I did not store my opened maple syrup in the fridge and it had mold on it after only a few months! It was a good learning lesson.”

Higgins notes that imitation maple syrup and pancake syrup (as opposed to pure maple syrup) is often shelf-stable since it contains preservatives, though refrigerating can help maintain the flavor and texture after opening.

How Long Does Opened Maple Syrup Last in the Fridge?

So, once you put that jar of maple syrup in the fridge, how long will it last? According to the USDA and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, maple syrup can stay fresh for 6 months if it’s refrigerated after opening. You can make sure it stays fresh for as long as possible by pouring directly from the container and avoiding dipping used utensils back in.

“To help prevent spoilage, refrigerate the maple syrup after opening and ensure the bottle cap is tightly sealed to minimize air exposure,” Dominguez says. “It is advised that you pour the maple syrup directly from the bottle but to prevent cross-contamination or physical food contaminants in the syrup, put it in a separate serving container.”

Can you Freeze Maple Syrup?

Want to keep your maple syrup a bit longer? You might be surprised to learn that pure maple syrup freezes well. “Freezing maple syrup is a great way to extend the shelf life,” Dominguez says. “It may be surprising, but due to the high sugar content in syrup, it will not be frozen solid and will typically have a thicker consistency, similar to honey.”

Higgins recommends storing maple syrup in an airtight freezer-safe container and says to be sure to leave some space for expansion.

Signs of Spoilage in Maple Syrup

Spot any of these telltale signs of spoilage in your maple syrup? It’s time to toss it out.

• Visible mold on the surface or fuzzy spots within the syrup
• Fermented, sour, or musty smell
• Unusual discoloration that is cloudy, and/or a darker color than normal
• Thick, grainy, or separated syrup

“If mold forms on top, it’s best to discard the syrup—don't just skim it off,” Higgins says. “It's rarely safe to eat a liquid product with mold on it. When in doubt, throw it out!”